Universal joint.



G W. SPONSBL.

UNIVERSAL JOINT.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. 12, 1914.

1, 1 21 144. Patented Dec. 15, 1914.

OKYW. Q? a e UNITEE) STATES GFFKCE.

CHARLES \V. SPONSEL, EARTFCRD. CONNECTICUT, ASSIGNOR, BY DIRECT AND ELESNE AQSIGNMENTS, Cii') THE AJAX UNIVERSAL: JOINT COId?ANY, 01" HART- FORD, COIZNEC'TICUT, A CORPORATION OF CONNECTICT"-'i.

UlT-IIVERSAL JDILI'I'.

insi es.

Specification Letters r r 4; in yawn-ted lien. is,

2" '0 all whom it may concern Be it known that 1, CHARLES W. SPONSEL, a citizen of the United States, residing at Itlartfoid in the county of Hartford and. State of Connecticut, have invented certain new and usefullmprovements in Universal vE loints,-of which the following is a specificaion.

This invention relatesto universal joints, among the principal objects of the invention being the provision of an article of this character which is exceedingly simple in construction, the parts of which can be readily and easily assembled, which possesses extreme strength and wherein the possibility of the joint being broken down by stresses and strains in action, is practically eliminated.

The invention possesses other features of novelty and advantage,"which with. the foregoing will be stated at length in the following description, wherein I will set forth in detail that one of the several-convenient forms of embodiment of the invention, which l have selected for illustration in the k drawings accompany ng and forming part of the present specification, this showing be ing provided to enable those skilled in' the art to practice the invention. It will be obvious Hill 1 do not limit myself to such disclosure; I' may depart therefrom in radical respects within the scope of the invention defined by the claims following said de scription.

Referring to said drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view ot a universal-joint involving my invention. Fig. 2 is an elevation of the joint. Fig. 3 is a similar view as seen either imm me right or left in Fig. 2. Fig. l is a detail view in perspective of a stud. Fig. 5 is a longitudinal sectional View of one of the shafts and its adjuncts, the other shaft for sake of clearness being omitted.

Fig. 6 is a detail view'in perspective, of a 7 coupling member, and Fig. 7 is a detail view of one of the sections of the coupling incur ber. i

Like characters refer to like parts throughout the several views.

The joint involves in its make-up two forked members such as those respectively denoted in a general way by 2 and 3, and which as represented are socketed to receive the reduced ends of the shafts l pinned present case, diametrically opposite.

or otherwise suitably secured to the respective forked members. The bifurcated mem bers as shown are of duplicate and respectively integral construction, their forks in the present case, being situated at right angles to each other and being interfitted but separated suiliciently to allow for the maximum universal movement.

In the present case the two members 2 and 3 are united for relative universal movement, by a suitable coupling member such the block denoted in a general Way by Sand by studs each denoted in a general ay by 6 and each preferably in one piece, there being four of such. studs which are alike in construction, so that a detailed description (hereinafter given). of .one stud will apply to the others. The coupling member or block 0 consists as represented, of duplicate sections 7 and 8 of annular form, and when I spealrof them as being. annular I do not mean to imply that they are circular, for as illustrated they are rectangular in shape, and as having fiat faces fitting solidly and substantially against each other and being maintained in this relation by suitable means such as by'the tie or clamping bolt 9.

The abutting surfaces of the sections 7 and 8 have semi-circular apertures or notches 10 which mate to produce two pairs of circular bearing-holes to receive the pivot or journal portions of the respective studs 6, the bearing. holes of the respective pairs beingin e coupling member or block 5 is in no sense chambered but is open from end-to end to present an unobstructed passage which is somewhat-larger than the body of the connecting bolt 9 to provide for the ready movement of said bolt through said passage and also as an oil reservoir when properly closed.

The head of the bolt 9 and the. not 9 thereof have cylindrical reduced portions to fit within the coupling bloclrfi when the bolt is set. By reducing the head and nut of the bolt fiat shoulders are produced on the inner side of said head and nut which fit closely ainst the upper and lower sides of the'couiiling block to prevent accidental escape of the luhricantof whatever character it may be (oilbeing generally provided for this purpose) from the interior ofthe coupling member.

Each stud 6 as illustrated comprises an outer retaining head 11, an inner retaining head 12, and an intermediate pivot or journal portion 13, the retaining head 12 being of less diameter than the retaining head 11 and of the body 6 to permit the free passage of the respective studs through the perforations or holes 14 in the branches of the forks of the two members 2 and 3 from outside the same. It should be noted that the studs 6 are not integral with the bifurcations of the members 2 and 3, so that the latter can be made of comparatively soft material, while the studs 6 and the coupling-block 5 can be hardened as may be required. The retaining heads 11. as shown fit counterbores in the outer ends of the holes lat, the bodies 6 of the studs being of a little less diameter than said heads 11 but of slightly greater diameter than the pivot, journal or trunnion portions 13 and inner retaining heads 12. It will also be observed that the flat shoulder formed at the junction of the head 11 and body 6' of each stud 6 has a substan tial bearing engagement against the bottom of the counterbore in which said head 11 is disposed and that in like manner the inner head 12 of each stud has a firm, substantial bearing engagement against a flat surface of and within the coupling block 5 confining the same. i

The studs 6 are preferably driven into place and while they might under ordinary circumstances be securely held against rotation by such a driving fit, I prefer to not altogether rely on this but to provide an additional safeguard for instance in the shape of a suitable key,'to insure positively non-rotation of said studs. As shown the members 2 and 3 have shallow holes 16 to facilitate the staking of stock from said members to enter the keyways 17 in the respective heads 11.

ln assembling, the following procedure may, be adopted: Initially the. four studs are driven into place and keyed as already described. The bolt 9 is then passed through the opening of the lower section 7 of the coupling block 5 after which said section with the bolt therein is introduced between the branches of the bifurcation of the forked member 2 with the section 7 and bolt 9 at right angles thereto, until the trunnions 13 of the diametrically opposite studs 6 are receiyed within two diametrically opposite recesses or apertures 10 of said section 7. following which the latter with the bolt 9 therein is turned to bring the head of said bolt down until the axis of the bolt coincides practically with the axis of the member 2. Succeeding this the upper section 8 is introduced between the branches of the member 3 and shifted therein until two diametrically opposite apertures 10 of said section 8 receive the journal portions 13 0f the studs 6 of said member 3. The forks of the two members 2 and 3 are then in'terfitted at right angles to each other until the section 8 fits tlatwise against the section 7, which brings the recesses 10 into register to form two pairs of diametrically opposite bearing holes to receive the two pairs of studs 6. The member 3 if necessary is then moved ap 'iroximately at right angles to .the member 2, so that the nut 9' can be applied to the bolt and then set.

I desire to call attention to the following facts, some of which have received brief allusion hereinbeforc: The trunnion or coupling block and trunnion or pivot studs can be hardened throughout to insure long life and adequate wear, without necessarily hardening the forked members. The organization is such that the parts can be quickly and easily separated and as readily reassembled with the identical parts, none of which, it will be observed, need be riveted. The branches of the bifurcated members are securely locked together against outward or inward movement. The trunnion-studs are alike and the same statement applies to the forked ends of the two shafts and also to the sections or halves ofthe trunnion or coupling block. The various parts are interchangeable and merely by removing a bolt the elements of the joint can be at once separated. The joint possesses an unusual amount of strength. The annular trunnion block in view of its form, can be lapped on the inside, to correct any distortion due to hardening or otherwise. and when it is in operative position, provides ample space for holding a lubricant. A. joint involving the invention can be used with advantage in many different connec tions.

What I claim is:

1. A universal joint comprising forked members. the forks of which are interfitted and at approximately right angles to each other. a sectional coupling member situated within the forks. studs disposed in pairs at right angles to each other. the coupling member having bearing holes and the studs having trunnions to fit said bearing holes. each stud having inner and outer retaining heads. the inner heads being confined within the coupling membeii and the branches of a id forks having holes to receive said studs. the holes being sized to permit the passage of the inner heads of the studs therethrough from the outside of the forks and the outer heads of the studs having a bearing engage went against the respective forks. and means for holding the sections of the couplin; member together.

2. A universal joint comprising forked members. the forks of which are interfitted and at approximately right angles to each other, a sectional coupling member situated within the forks, studs disposed in pairs at right angles to each other. the coupling mem her having hearing holes and the studs hav ing trunnions to fit said hearing holes. each stud having inner and outer retaining heads. the inner heads being confined within the coupling member and the branches of said forks having holes to rereive said studs, the holes being sized to permit, the passage of the inner heads of the studs therethrough from the outside of the forks and the outer heads of the studs ha vine a hearing; engagement against. the respective forks the sections of the oou 'iling-member:being open. and a bolt extending through the openings of the stations of the roupling member. the head of the bolt having a hearing against the outer side of one coupling member section and the nut of the bolt ha\ ing; a hear ing against the outer side of the other roupliug memher seetion.

3. A universal joint comprising forked members, the forks of which are interfitted and at approximatelv right angles to each other. a split coupling member Within the forks. studs disposed in pairs at right angles to each other. the coupling member having hearing holes and the studs haying; trunnions to fit said hearin holes, rarli stud having inner and outer retaining heads. the inner heads being confined within the roupling member. the branches oi" the forks having holes through which said studs are passed. the holes being sized to permit the passage of the inner heads of the studs therethrough from the outside of the forks. said holes having eounterbores at their outer eluls' in which the outer heads of the respectiv studs lit. and in HHS for holding the sections of the t-oupling member to gether.

4'. A universal joint comprising forked uu-mhers. the forks oi which are inter-titted and ap n'oxinnitel at right angles to ttlt'l) other. a split roupiing' mem er Within the forks. studs disposed in pairs at right angles to eat-h other. the if)! pling' nien'ilier ha ring hearing holes and the studs ha ing. trutr nions to lit said hearing holes. e. studs having inner and outer retainum iEP'H s. the inner heads lieingj (unlined wi hin the woupling uuaniier. the lnauz-iw. of saiii l'orks having holesinto \Ylllt'l! the studs are driven. the holes lining sized to permit the passage oi said nner heads tiur grough from the outside oi the forks and outer heads :1! the respertirrstud wfiii allot the aanrhe; oi tin respertive You. mean; For holding the ktliflllS '31 the rnupliugr memher t nrthe" and means {or n tilt stu h in plow. again t rotation and i). uuimrsal joint roniprising forked inemliers. the forks of which are interfitted and approximately at right angles to each other, a split eoupling member within the forks. studs disposed in pairs at rightangles to each other. the eoupling weather having! hearing: hole and the stud having trunnions to tit said hearing holes. said studs having: inner and outer ret'aiuiiig heads. the inner heads being. ronfiued Within the coupling member. and the ranches oi said forks having holes into whirl: the. studs are driven. the holes being: sized to permit the passage of said inner heads therethrough from the outside of the fo ks; and the outer heads of the respeetive studs bearing against 1 la'anrhes of the respective fork;-'; and, means for holding the sertious oi the i-..-upling= na-nzher together. said outer heads havin ke v\\'a vs and the tock of the forked members being staked into the respective kevways to prerent rotation of the studs.

ii. l!lll\t i-;ll joint rouiorising' forked nit-mixers. the 'iorks of whivii are iuterlitttd and approximately at right angles to fllt'll other. a plit mupling llltitiidl. the sections of whi-mh aluu. the aluuli faves havim, ro osses whi -i gister to f m m pairs oi diametrimili opposite hearing; holes. tlu studs having portiom to it said hearing: holes. eat-h stud having inner and outer re tain'in heads. the inner heads being cor lined within the coupling member and hearing: against the inner surface thereof. the hranehes of the forks having: holes to receive the studs. the holes living sized to per mit the passage of the inner heads of the studs therethrough from outside the forks, and the outer head having a bearing against the forks. and means for holding the sections of the eoupling member together.

7. A. universal joint eomprisin a. fork, a. eonpling member fitted in said fork, oppos te studs pivotally-conneeiing the coupling member and the fork, the. branches of the fork having: holes and the. studs having inns" and outer retaining heads. the inner retaining heads being: situated within the ld ng; member and. the holes being of a size to permit the passage of the inner heads oi' the studs therethrough from outside said hrauches. a seeond fork. and means for piroiaily mnneeting said oupling member with said serond fork to permit relative mu'ersai indftlrlllii of the two forks.

ln testiniou whereof I ailix my signature zpri-srznre oi t\\o witnesses.

(l l A It LFS W. SPONSEL.

ituesses:

l.. i.. Human. i l a! i *i iniuuax ix 

